History of Whitneyville Public Library

After the original Whitneyville School burned in 1868, this two
room 2 1/2 story Greek revival school house was built the same
year by Whitneyville carpenters. It was used as an elementary
school until 1966 when the one-story Hillgrove School was built.
The Whitneyville Library and Whatnot Association, Inc., was then
given use of the 1868 building "to create and maintain a free
library" and "to increase the skill of handicrafts."

At the annual town meeting in 1966, Blanche S. Palmer suggested
that the 1868 building be used for a public library. The
Whitneyville Library and Whatnot Association Inc., was
incorporated June 17, 1966, with Blanche S. Palmer, President;
Arlene Fickett, Vice President; Ruth McReavy, Treasurer; and
Dorothy B. Reynolds, Secretary. Trustees were: Edith A. Mureen,
Minnie E. Monaghan, Lillian Sullivan, and Mary Pennell.

With the help of Bobby A. Gardner Jr. and many others, the
trustees began collecting and raising money with fund raisers and
free will gifts. The summer craft shop on the second floor was a
large part of the magnet which helped fund raising. Years later
former trustee Edith A. Mureen left the library a bequest that now
is used to purchase books and supplies.

In 1972, at Blanche Palmer's suggestion, $501 was collected in
gifts from 43 families. Thus began a children's book collection of
155 new books which by 1997 has grown to 4,175 books for children.
Gifts of both books and money have helped the book collection for
adults grow from 1,000 books in 1972 to 9,752 in 1997. Both
collections now total nearly 14,000.

In 1976 with the Bookmobile gone, the Whitneyville library began
delivering books to local elementary schools: Rose Gaffney and
Machias Valley Christian School in Machias, as well as the schools
in Jonesboro and Wesley. Machias Community Child Care Preschool
also receives books. This book delivery service continues today.

Since the late 1970's this library has offered a children's
summer reading program for those in preschool through grade eight.
This program attracts children from nearby communities as well as
Whitneyville. Highlights of this program include a reading
certificate for all participants, gift certificates from a
bookstore for winners and a pizza party for all children who have
taken part in this reading program.